Switch for an automobile turn indicating system



July 26, 1955 J. J. sPlcER, JR 2,714,140

SWITCH FOR AN AUTOMOBILE TURN lINDCTING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 26, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet l /fvvE/VTOI? 81M I JPM AT TOlP/VE Y6' MY 26, 1955 J. J. sPlcER, .1R 2,714,140

SWITCH FOR AN AUTOMOBILE TURN INDICATING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 26, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TTORNEYS Juy 26, 1955 J. J. SPICER, .JR

SWITCH FOR AN AUTOMOBILE TURN INDICATING SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Deo.

Fatenteo luiy 2&5, i955 tice arianne SWliTH FR AN AUTOMGBILE TURN INDCATNG SYSTEM Application December 26, 1952, Seriai No. 328,095 lll Claims. (Ci. 20d-61.34)

This invention relates to switches and in particular, is concerned with a control switch for an automobile turn indicating system.

Such a system ordinarily incorporates control mechanism including an actuating lever operated by the driver of the car, the lever actuating the control switch which interconnects certain circuits so that the system will perform its intended function. The operation of such a system is as follows. When the lever is in a neutral position, depression of the foot brake causes the rear lights to be constantly energized. When the lever is set for a left or right-hand turn, the front and rear lights on the particular selected side are intermittently energized, and further, when the lever is in either of these positions, operation of the foot brake causes the other rear light to be constantly energized.

Switches of the type with which this invention is concerned comprise an elongated housing generally channelshaped in cross section. At the mouth of the housing is disposed an insulated base having a plurality of fixed terminals thereon, the surface of the terminals being ush with the surface of the base. Within the housing is disposed a carrier constructed of an insulating material having a plurality of recesses, each having a current-carrying bridging connector provided with contact points for engaging certain of the fixed terminals on the base. The carrier has a stud protruding through an elongated slot in the housing, the stud being connectible to the lever actuated bythe operator for moving the carrier and connectors over the surface of the ixed terminals.

The present invention is concerned with a unique improvement in such switches, particularly in the shape and the disposition of the fixed contacts relative to one another and in the disposition of certain contact points on the movable connectors relative to the fixed contacts.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a switch wherein a minimum number of contact points leave their corresponding stationary terminals to make contact with another terminal when the switch is actuated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch having a minimum number of contact points so as to reduce sliding friction and to minimize the possibility of trouble in service.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch wherein the shape and manner of attaching the fixed terminals to the base provides a stiflening and reinforcing means so as to keep the base as flat as possible to insure proper alignment between cooperating parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch wherein all of the bridging connectors are identical in construction and certain pairs of the fixed terminals are identical in construction whereby to reduce the cost of manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to make a switch wherein the arrangement of the movable connectors and fixed terminals results in a switch of minimum size.

The manner in which the foregoing features are accom SKO plished will be fully understood from the following description and drawings wherein:

Figure l is a longitudinal section taken substantially on the line ll-l of Figure 6;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 2 2 of Figure 6;

Figure 3 is a cross section taken substantially on the line 3 3 of Figure 6;

Figure 4 is a plan View;

Figure 5 is a cross section taken substantially1 on the line 5 5 of Figure 8;

Figure 6 is a plan section taken substantially on the line 6 6 of Figure l;

Figure 7 is a similar plan section showing the switch in a left turn position with the shiftable carrier shown in phantom but with the bridging connectors carried thereby shown in full lines;

Figure 8 is a View similar to Figure 7 but showing the switch in a right turn position; and

Figure 9 is a schematic wiring diagram of a turn indicating system.

In Figure l a base consists of an upper portion '7a and a lower portion 7b which are constructed from an insulating material and adhesively bonded together. The upper portion 7a is provided with slots accommodating fixed terminals 2f, i and 3f, which respectively have identically constructed portions ti, 9 and iii extending downwardly through slots provided in lower portion 7b. it will be observed that the surfaces of the terminals are iiush with the surface of the upper portion 7n.

ln Figure 2 slots in the base accommodate terminals llf and 6 having downwardly extending portions ii, iV and 13, which are identical in construction. The surfaces of these terminals are also iiush with the upper portion 7a.

From an inspection of Figure 6 it will be observed that the surfaces of terminais f5, 4 and o are round and identical in shape. These terminals are positioned in their respective openings in the base and are held securely by staking over a part of the respective downwardiy extending portions. Also, it will be observed that the surfaces of terminals lf, 2 and 3f are generally elongated and identical in shape. These terminals are each secured to the base in an identicai manner illustrated in connection with terminal 2f, which has a downwardly extending portion 8a and a bent over portion 3b (see Figures l and 5).

The elongated rectangular-shaped xture terminals if, 2f and 3f, together with the manner of securing them to the base serves to stiifen and reinforce the base, thereby minimizing any tendency to warp and insuring proper alignment between cooperating parts.

Disposed on the top of the base is a housing i4 generally arcuate in form (see Figure fr) and channel-shaped in cross section (see Figure 3). The sides i4.fz iia of the housing have a pluraiity of downwardly extending portions ib ieb, which are bent under the base 7 (Figure 3) for securing the housing to the same. The end sections link id@ which serve as stops for the carrier i5, also have downwardly extending portions i:-a' l/a', which are bent under the base.

The carrier i5 is disposed within the housing id, the shape of which is best seen in Figure 6 wherein the side l5@ is arcuate in shape and abuts against a side ida of the housing. The rounded portions ib lSb abut against the other side of the housing. 'f he carrier is provided with three recesses Sie, i7 and iS, which are identical in shape and respectively carry identical bridging connectors im, 2m and 3m. Fach recess is provided with a slot which carries a spring bearing against the respective bridging connectors. For example, see Figure l wherein recess has a slot cart; g a spring 20, which rector substantially bears against the bridging c As will' be apparent from the foregoing description, each of the bridging connectors is identical in construction. Also, the xed terminals 4, 5 and 6, together with fixed terminals if, 2f and 3f, are respectively identical in construction. This factor results in a switch which considerably reduces the cost of marmfacturel both from the standpoint of saving in the number of stamping dies, the amount of material used and also in economy on assembly.

Each bridging connector is provided with a boss at opposite ends thereof, which serves as a point of contact between the bridging connector and a fixed terminal. These bosses as contact points are most clearly seen in Figure 6 wherein the bridging connector 3m, has bosses 25 and 26. The bridging connectors lm and 2m are respectively equipped with bosses 21 and 22', 23 and 24.

Since each of the bridging connectors is spring-loaded, the Contact points are pushed downwardly into firm engagement with the terminals. On the top, side of the carrier are provided four small ledges, which provide a bearing surface for the carrier against the top of the housing. Two of these ledges, 27 and 23, are located on the rounded portions b-15b, while the other two (not shown) are located at the opposite side of the carrier adjacent edge 15a.

As will be apparent, the switch utilizes only six sliding Contact points. This minimum number of sliding contact points greatly reduces the possibility of trouble in service. Furthermore, the small number of contact points, together with the ledges mentioned above, makes for a switch with a minimum of sliding friction.

As seen in Figure l, the carrier is also provided with a stud 29, which protrudes through a slot 30 in the top of the housing 14. The stud is adapted to be connected to certain actuating mechanism mentioned heretofore.

The carrier has three operating positions. The first is a neutral position, which is shown in Figure 6, and the second or left-hand turn position is shown in Figure 7, while the third or the right-hand turn position is shown in Figure 8.

In the neutral position, it will be observed that the bridging connectors interconnect the fixed terminals in the following manner.

The contact points 2i and 22 are engaged with the fixed terminals if and 2f whereby the bridging connector 1m interconnects these terminals. The contact points 23 and 24 are engaged with fixed terminals lf and 3f so that the bridging connector 2151 interconnects these fixed terminals. The bridging connector 3m interconnects fixed terminals 2f and 3f by the engagement of the contact points and 26 therewith.

When the carrier is moved to the left-hand turn position, the Contact point 2l leaves the fixed terminal 1f and moves into contact with terminal 5, while the contact 22 slides along terminal 2f whereby the bridging connector lm interconnects terminals 5 and 2f. The contact point 23 slides along terminal lf and the contact point 24 slides along terminal 3f whereby these terminals remain connected together by the bridging connector 2m. Contact point 25 slides along terminal 2f, while the contact point 26 leaves the terminal 3f and moves into contact with terminal 4 whereby the bridging connector 3m interconnects these terminals.

When the carrier is moved to the right-hand turn position (see Figure 8), the contact point 21 moves along the terminal 1f, while the contact point 22 moves along the terminal 2f whereby these terminals remain connected together by the bridging connector 1m. The contact point 23 leaves the fixed terminal 1f and moves into contact with terminal 6, while the contact point 24 slides along terminal 3f whereby the bridging connector 2m interconnects these terminals. The contact point 25 moves from fixed terminal 2f into engagement with fixed terminal 4, while the contact point 26 moves along terminal 3f whereby these two terminals 4 and 3f are connected together by bridging connector 3m.

From an inspection of Figures 6, 7 and 8, it will be apparent that as the carrier is moved from the neutral to either the left turn position or the right turn position, only two Contact points leave their stationary terminals to make contact with another terminal, For example, in the left turn position, the contact point 21 of bridging connector lm has moved from fixed terminal 1f across the insulating base to fixed terminal 5, and the contact point 26 of bridging connector 3m has moved from fixed terminal 3f to fixed terminal 4. In the right-hand turn position, the contact point 23 of bridging connector 2m has moved from fixed terminal 1f across the insulating base to fixed terminal 6 and the contact point 25 of bridging connector 3m has moved from fixed terminal 2f to fixed terminal 4. Further, it will be noted that all of the other contact points move along and remain in engagement with the original fixed terminals.

The above-described arrangement, which provides a minimum number of contact points leaving their fixed terminals and making Contact with a new terminal when the switch is actuated, is an important feature of the invention. A minimum number of makes and breaks results in Smooth operation, a minimum of sliding friction, and decreases the possibility of discontinuity of circuits.

In passing, it is pointed out that the fixed contacts 5, 1f and 6 are arranged with their centers lying generally along an arcuate path'. This is also true of the contacts 2f, 4 and 3f, the two arcuate paths being generally parallel. Fur-ther, it will be noted that the contact points 2l and 23 move along the first path, while the contact points 22, 25, 26 and 24 move along the second path.

The manner in which the switch is utilized in an automobile turn indicating system will be described in con nection with Figure 9 wherein the switch is somewhat diagrammatically illustrated with the fixed terminals of the switch being connected with various elements of the circuit.

When the switch is in the neutral position, closure of the stop light switch 31 (normally operated by the foot brake) permits current to ow from battery 32 through conductor 33 to xed terminal 1f, thence through bridging connectors im and 2m, to fixed terminals 2f and 3f, which are respectively connected by conductors 34 and 35 to left rear light 36 and right rear light 37. Closure of the switch constantly energizes both of the rear lights.

In the neutral position of the switch, a safety factor is provided which insures continuity of circuits. If any one of the contact points (2l, 22, 23 or 24) was not in engagement with its fixed terminal, for example, if contact point 21 were out of contact with fixed terminal if, current would still be supplied to the left rear light via conductor 34, fixed terminal 2f, bridging connector 3m, fixed terminal 3f and bridging connector 2m.

When the switch is moved to the left turn indicating position, current is fed from battery 32 through the iiasher 38 via conductor 39 to fixed terminal 4 through bridging connector 3m to fixed terminal 2f and thence to left rear light 36via conductor 34. Current is also fed from fixed terminal 2f through bridging connector 1m to fixed terminal 5 and thence through conductor ifi to the front left light 41. The flasher ordinarily is a thermostatically controlled switch which makes and breaks the circuit to intermittently energize the left side front and rear lights.

In this position when the stop light switch is operated, current is fed through conductor 33 to fixed terminal if, thence through bridging connector 2m to fixed terminal 3f and then through conductor to the right rear light 37. Thus, when the brake is depressed, the right rear light is constantly energized.

When the switch is moved to the right-hand position for indicating a right-hand turn, current is fed through the asher via conductor 39 to fixed terminal 4, thence through bridging connector 3m to xed terminal 3f and then through conductor 35 to right rear light 37. Current is also fed from fixed terminal 3f through bridging connector 2m to fixed terminal 6 and thence through conductor 42 to right front light 43. These lights are then intermittently energized to indicate the right-hand turn. While in this position, if the stop light switch is closed by operating the brake, current is fed through conductor 33 to fixed terminal 1f, thence through bridging connector lm to fixed terminal 2f and then through conductor 34 to left rear light 36. The light is then constantly energized to indicate the slowing down or stopping of the car.

I claim:

1. For an automobile signaling system, a control switch comprising: six stationary terminals mounted in an insulating base, each having a flat contacting surface, three of said terminals being generally elongated in shape, the axes of two of which lie along a first line and the axis of the third of which lies along a second line substantially parallel to the first, the fourth of the terminals lying along said first line interjacent said two, and the fth and sixth fixed terminals lying along said second line and disposed respectively at opposite ends of said third terminal; and a plurality of elongated electrically independent bridging connectors mounted in a carrier providing movement thereof over the surfaces of said fixed terminals, the carrier having a neutral and two settable positions.

2. For an automobile signaling system, a control switch comprising: six stationary terminals mounted in an insulating base, each having a flat contacting surface, three of said terminals being generally elongated in shape, the axes of two of which lie along a first line and the axis of the third of which lies along a second line substantially parallel to the first, the fourth of the terminals lying along said first line interjacent said two, and the fifth and sixth fixed terminals lying along said second line and disposed respectively at opposite ends of said third terminal; and three bridging connectors mounted in said carrier, each having a contact point adjacent each end thereof, one of said connectors being mounted in the carrier for movement of its Contact points along said first line and the other two being mounted in the carrier for movement of one contact point of each over the second line and of the other contact point over the rst line, the contact points on said other two connectors which are movable along said rst line being engaged respectively with the two elongated fixed terminals lying along said rst line in said neutral and said settable positions, and the contact points on said one connector which are movable along said first line being engaged respectively with said two elongated fixed terminals lying along said first line in said neutral position.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first and second lines are arcuate in shape.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said bridging connectors are generally elongated in shape, substantially identical in construction, and interchangeably usable.

5. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein the means for mounting said elongated terminals comprises at least two arms extending through the base and bent firm against the opposite side of the base.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 where in said elongated terminals are substantially identical in construction and are interchangeably usable.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein said fourth, fifth and sixth terminals are substantially identical in construction with the surfaces thereof generally circular in shape.

8. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein the carrier has an operating stud and further including a generally U-shaped housing secured to the base and enveloping said carrier, the housing being provided with a slot accommodating movement of said stud.

9. A construction in accordance with claim 8 further including resilient means mounted in said carrier and urging said bridging connectors into engagement with said fixed terminals and a plurality of bearing ledges of relatively small area on the top of said carrier in engagement with said housing.

l0. A construction in accordance with claim 9 wherein the housing is provided with stops limiting the movement of said carrier in said settable positions.

ll. For an automobile signaling system, a control switch comprising: six fixed terminals three of which are elongated mounted in an insulating base and each having a fiat surface substantially flush with the face of said base; three elongated bridging connectors mounted in a carrier each having two Contact points respectively disposed adjacent the ends thereof, said carrier providing for movement of the Contact points over the surface of said fixed terminals, the carrier having a neutral position and two settable positions wherein said Contact points contact the fixed terminals as follows: in the neutral position the three bridging connectors connecting in series the three elongated terminals; in one of the setrable positions, one of the bridging connectors continuing to connect together two of the elongated terminals and the other two bridging connectors connecting in series the other of the elongated terminals with two other xed terminals.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,527,458 Yaxley Feb. 24, 1925 2,122,508 Bell July 5, 1938 2,238,394 Murray, Jr. Apr. 15, 1941 2,428,447 Bolley Oct. 7, 1947 2,531,377 Lawson et al Nov. 21, 1950 2,560,539 Bailey Tuly 17, 1951 2,604,560 Dibellra July 22, 1952 2,617,902 Lincoln et al Nov. 11, 1952 2,666,101 Ellithorpe Jan. 12, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 936,034 France Feb. 16, 1948 

